AN ELDERLY Bodmin couple have described their horror at discovering their pet cat had been shot three times.
Retired greengrocers Doreen, 74, and Stan Cozens, 75, were left shocked and distressed by the attack on seven-year-old Jet, and police and the RSPCA officials are urging witnesses to come forward.
The couple said they became alarmed when Jet failed to return to their Queen's Crescent home.
Days later, while they were out shopping, their daughter Theresa, 52, found Jet and brought him home, but they instantly knew something was wrong.
Mrs Cozens said: "He didn't seem himself; he was very quiet.
"The next day we realised something must be up, as every morning my husband and I have a cup of tea in bed and Jet always jumps up and sits between us, but this one morning he just couldn't seem to jump up.
"He tried three times, so I picked him up. I then went to stroke him and he suddenly yelped. It was a horrible noise; I've never heard anything like it before. It was very upsetting. "
The couple took Jet to the vet, and were horrified to learn he had been shot three times with an airgun and still had the pellets inside him. One was lodged at the top of his stomach, making it hard for him to eat or drink.
An operation to remove them has left the couple facing a bill of more than £350.
Mr Cozens, who used to run the greengrocer's in Honey Street, said: "Although Jet's home now there's still no guarantee he's going to survive. He's creeping about and hiding behind the furniture.
"He's struggling to eat and drink and is still very sensitive. Not only have the people who did this hurt our cat, but they've hurt us.
"Also, we can't afford this type of bill.
"The whole thing has been very distressing."
A police spokesman said: "We take these types of incidents very seriously.
"It's not only the pet that suffers, but it causes lots of stress for the family.
"I would urge anyone who has information to please contact the police."
A spokeswoman for Cornwall's RSPCA Centre, in St Columb, said airgun attacks on pets were becoming increasingly common.
"These weapons are responsible for maiming and killing a lot of animals," she said. "As well as the animal suffering, it's also extremely disturbing for the owners.
"It's against the law to wilfully harm an animal under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. People can face up to six months in prison or a £20,000 fine."
It is thought Jet was injured some time between Friday, August 3, and Sunday, August 12.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Bodmin police on 101 quoting crime reference BB/12/1206.
